Peugeot 2008 Review

All 2008 models have a touchscreen infotainment display in the middle of the dashboard, which is used to control the climate control, DAB radio, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Most models feature a 7-inch display, but high-spec trim levels have an impressive 10-inch windscreen display.

Voice control for the audio, sat nav and telephone functions is standard across the range, while high-spec models have wireless charging for your phone and interior ambient lighting that allows you to switch between colours.

Most models have a 3D-effect digital instrument panel that allows you to select different modes including navigation and driving modes and one that mimics traditional dials.

Like most modern Peugeot models, the 2008 has what the brand calls an ‘i-Cockpit’ layout, which means there’s an unusually small steering wheel with an instrument display above it. In most cars, the instrument display is behind the steering wheel. Some drivers find that the low-set steering wheel can obscure their view of the dials and make it harder to get in and out of the car, especially for taller drivers. (The steering wheel does adjust for height and reach, however.)

While heated seats are fitted as standard to GT and GT Premium models, it's a pity that multi-way electric adjustment and lumbar support are only available as options on high-spec models.

There’s a genuine sense of quality throughout the 2008’s interior. It’s the little things, like the gloss black ‘piano’ keys below the infotainment system and the feel of the materials, which are more upmarket than many of the 2008’s mainstream rivals. The leather with contrasting lime green stitching found on high-spec models is a particularly nice touch.

The 2008 feels noticeably larger inside than the Peugeot 208 supermini that it’s based on. There’s enough room in the back for three adults, although the sloping roofline limits the amount of headroom for your tallest passengers. Children will have no complaints, although the door openings are a bit narrow when you’re loading or removing a baby or toddler into or out of a child seat.

The space is also good in the front, where the driver and passenger won’t be bashing elbows whenever you go round a corner. The glovebox is a little on the small side, but the area between the front seats has room for your smartphone, a couple of cupholders and a small storage bin (in most models). The door pockets are large enough to hold a bottle.

In the back, you’ll find large door pockets and storage nets on the front seatbacks.  There are no cupholders or a centre armrest, but this is typical for a car of this size.

Overall boot capacity up to the load cover is 434 litres, which is very competitive for a compact SUV and more than you get with mid-size hatchbacks including the Ford Focus or the Volkswagen Golf. The space is the same whether you choose a petrol/diesel or electric model and there’s room for a couple of suitcases and a squishy bag, a set of golf clubs or a large pushchair. That’s more than the 311 litres of space you’ll find in the 208 supermini, although the Renault Captur can hold 536 litres of luggage if you push the seats forward, which is something you can’t do with the 2008.

The wide boot opening makes it easy to load and unload heavy items, while the floor can be set to different heights for maximum versatility. For more space, the back seats split and fold to create an almost flat floor, with Peugeot quoting a maximum load capacity of 1,467 litres. The high roof means you can squeeze a surprising number of boxes in the boot – handy when you’re moving house or returning home with a worrying amount of flatpack furniture.

In many ways, the 2008 feels like a larger and more expensive SUV thanks to its smooth ride and general quietness at high speeds. In town, the light steering and high driving position combine to make it an easy car to park. Rear parking sensors are standard across the range, while high-spec models have front parking sensors and a feature that enables the car to steer itself into a space for you.

The 2008 is available with a choice of 1.2-litre petrol engines, a 1.5-litre diesel engine and an electric motor.

Even the entry-level 99bhp 1.2 petrol engine is fine in the city, but you might prefer the 128bhp or the 153bhp 1.2 engines if you venture further afield regularly. (When we use the term ‘bhp’, we’re talking about how much engine power a car has.) The 99bhp and 128bhp engines come with a six-speed manual gearbox as standard, but a smooth eight-speed automatic transmission is available as an option for the 128bhp version and it comes as standard with the 153bhp engine. The 1.5-litre diesel engine gives you performance similar to that of the mid-level 1.2-litre petrol engine.

On paper, the pure-electric e-2008 doesn’t accelerate quite as quickly as the two highest-powered petrol models. It’s not as quick outright as some other small electric cars either, but in reality, it feels very responsive from a standstill and gives you good performance on the move.

The 2008’s petrol and diesel engines are among the most efficient for this type of car.

The 1.2-litre petrol engines are impressively fuel-efficient, giving an official average  of 41.7mpg to 52.6mpg, depending on the output. A diesel engine may make sense for some drivers – an official average fuel economy of more than 57mpg could give you a long time between visiting the pumps. Carbon dioxide (CO2)  emissions of 113-129g/km for diesel models are the lowest in the petrol/diesel range.

If you want a small SUV with zero emissions, the e-2008 is a great option, with an  official maximum range of 214 miles when fully charged and the option of three methods of charging: domestic, fast and rapid. With rapid charging, an 80% charge is possible in just 30 minutes. Thanks to its zero CO2 emissions, the e-2008 is exempt from car tax and clean air zone charges.

Low running costs, an upmarket feel and a spacious interior combine to make the Peugeot 2008 feel like excellent value for money. The GT and GT Premium models look expensive but compare well with premium rivals from the makers such as Audi and BMW.

While the e-2008 will cost you more to buy than some small electric cars such as the MG ZS EV and the Renault Zoe, its high-quality feel and good standard of equipment – and its potential for very low running costs – make it excellent value overall.

The Peugeot 2008 comes with a three-year warranty, which is the norm for most cars. This can be extended providing the car is less than 10 years old and has covered no more than 100,000 miles. In the e-2008, the battery is covered by an eight-year guarantee.

Peugeot performed well in the latest (2019) J.D. Power UK Vehicle Dependability Study, finishing top of the list of 24 manufacturers. The 2008 was ranked second in the small-SUV category, between the Vauxhall Mokka/Mokka X and Nissan Juke.

When tested in 2019, the safety experts at Euro NCAP awarded the 2008 a four-star rating, but this rises to the maximum five stars in versions with more safety equipment.

The 2008 has a lot of features designed to prevent an accident. All models feature an active safety braking system, lane-keeping assistance and speed limit recognition, while high-spec versions have blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control and driver-attention alert. Other standard safety features include multiple airbags, tyre pressure monitoring and a pair of Isofix mounting points in the back seat. GT models feature a third Isofix point on the front passenger seat.

Every version of the Peugeot 2008 is well equipped, so – unlike with some rival cars – there’s no need to avoid the entry-level model if you want desirable features.

Even the basic Active Premium+ versions have a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, DAB radio, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, air con, leather steering wheel trim, rear parking sensors and electrically folding door mirrors. Extra features for the Allure Premium+ model include larger alloy wheels, leather-effect seats, a central front armrest with storage bin, passenger seat-height adjustment, a digital instrument panel and sat nav.

The GT trim gives you a range of cosmetic upgrades, as well a 10-inch touchscreen display, wireless charging for a smartphone, full LED headlights, blind-spot monitoring, heated front seats and front parking sensors. The GT Premium is the most luxurious 2008 you can buy. Highlights include 18-inch alloy wheels, adaptive cruise control, keyless entry and start-up, and synthetic suede upholstery.

The 1.5-litre diesel engine, which is unavailable on the GT and GT Premium models, should deliver excellent fuel economy on long runs. It’s also a great choice for carrying a full quota of passengers and their luggage.

In most circumstances, the 1.2-litre petrol engine is the best option. The 99bhp version of this engine is fine for making short trips in the city, but the more powerful versions are better on longer journeys. Our pick would be the 128bhp version with an automatic transmission.

There’s just one version of the e-2008. Its 50 kWh electric motor doesn’t give you the really strong performance of some rival electric cars but it gives you very responsive acceleration from a standstill.